District A4 Home PageParticipation as a Lions International Youth Exchangee and/or Camper is often a life-changing experience - traveling to another country, living with a host family, and experiencing another culture are milestone events. It is a unique learning opportunity.
Exchanges can occur in any of the more than 180 countries in which Lions clubs exist. Most exchanges last approx 4 weeks - three with a Host family and a one week Camp.
Participants of the Lions International Youth Exchange Program must:
- be between the ages of 15 and 21;
- be sponsored by a Lions Club;
- have a basic knowledge of the language of the host country;
- be suitable to represent their community, Lions Club, and Country and,
- be willing to accept the customs of another culture.
Youth Exchange Chairperson, Lion Anne Pearse, is available to visit your Club to present information on this exciting new program which is being introduced to District A4. It is hoped to identify potential Exchangees wishing to travel abroad (deadline for applications is end of December) plus create a listing of Host Families for incoming youth who will visit Canada during the summer - dates for next year are 02 July to 02 August 2005. District A4 needs your assistance; we ask that your Club help out by sharing the information about exchanges with Youth groups and schools within your community. Host Families could possibly be identified within your own Club, this being members and their relatives.
In order to plan a 3-5 day "Camp" for July 2005, an operating budget must be raised to cover cost of meals, transportation and fees to area attractions. It is anticipated that Clubs may be willing to commit $50 towards Youth Exchange. If agreeable, your donation should be forwarded to Cabinet by cheque, clearly indicating thereon that the funds are committed towards A4 Youth Exchange Camp.
It is possible that exchangees will plan an activity in your community, and if so, perhaps your Club would be willing to assist by hosting a lunch or dinner. Camp 2005 activities are in the planning stage, however, consideration is being given to an outing to Upper Canada Village; a stroll behind the parliament buildings and the Bytown museum plus canal, Club visit to share details on a Lions Project, a country fair. One day is spent having exchangees give a report on their country.
Please visit LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONAL for additional information on this exciting program.
For your convenience, you may download the following forms directly from this page.
Form YE-1401 - Visitor Application must be completed by Exchangees wanting to go abroad.
Form YE-1402 - Host Family Application with Police security check.
Please note you must have the Adobe Document Reader installed on your computer to read and print these documents. A free copy can be obtained by following this link. ADOBE READER
Any Lions interested in working on the Youth Exchange Committee should contact,
A4 International Youth Exchange Chairperson
613 825-1646